2016-02-22
The Australian Greens welcome Senate support for their inquiry into proposed drilling off the Great Australian Bight.
"BP must be held to account for its shocking environmental record and poor community consultation. BP's initial submission to drill for oil off the Great Australian Bight was turned down by the regulator, NOPSEMA and it is high time this issue was put under the microscope," Greens Senator for South Australia Robert Simms said.
"This inquiry, initiated by myself and fellow South Australian Senator Nick Xenophon, is a necessary step in ensuring that we get broad community input into BP's proposed actions.
"This inquiry is needed so we can protect this beautiful Australian coastal environment and the marine life in these waters. The Great Australian Bight should not be put at risk for the sake of corporations with terrible environmental track records chasing a profit.
"We know BP don't have the capacity to handle disasters - we have seen this in the past with the Deepwater Horizon oil spill that took 87 days to be contained. Companies like this should not be given carte blanche access to drilling in this precious habitat.
"The seas off the Great Australian Bight are infinitely more remote and difficult to access. With this in mind it is imperative that we take all questions around BP drilling for oil in this region very seriously."
Media contact: Amy Moran 0417 173 508